Reviews of Donatela Resort and Sanctuary This rating is a reflection of how the property compares to the industry standard when it comes to price, facilities and services offered. It is based on a self-evaluation by the property. Use this rating to help choose your stay!
Km 16 Hoyohoy, Barangay Tawala, Panglao Island, Bohol, 6340 Panglao, Philippines

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Reviewed: 24 April 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewWe had a really nice stay at Donatela. The resort is peaceful and private, and our Honeymoon Villa was beautiful, private, spacious, quiet, and surrounded by nature. The private pool was a great bonus too. The staff were friendly and helpful, always quick to assist. We enjoyed the food at Paprika and the overall relaxing vibe.
The one thing that bugged us was the water pressure. Almost every day, we had issues and had to call maintenance. They fixed it each time, but it kept happening, which was a bit annoying.
Reviewed: 21 April 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewThe pool villa was spacious and tasteful. It was also very private and quiet. The staff service was excellent
More food options
Reviewed: 3 April 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified reviewMy boyfriend and I had an amazing night’s stay at Donatela. It felt incredibly relaxing, with a great and friendly atmosphere. The front desk staff are really welcoming and helped us with a variety of requests that included a shuttle bus to Alona beach, abnormal check in and checkout times, food delivery and showed us around the villa and sanctuary. The breakfast was fantastic, and was a real sit down experience, where we were able to try a variety of different foods and fruits with a stunning view of the beach. The road approaching the resort is totally fine, a few bumps but nothing major. The resort felt very safe with security and is tucked away in a quiet and peaceful spot 5-10mins away from both Alona and Dumaluan beaches. The garden villa was spacious and pretty both inside and out. Wish we had stayed there longer!
Reviewed: 25 March 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified reviewIf you like quiet and tranquility this place is for you. The villa is gorgeous and spacious. Not too far from the airport and Alona Beach. You can see Alona Beach from the restaurant. The horse riding was pretty great and the horses are very well taken care of. I’ve traveled to so many places and stayed at so many 4-5stars hotels/ resorts, the staffs here is by far the best I’ve seen. Very friendly and attentive. Front desk is very responsive with requests. The staffs even surprise me with birthday cake. I really enjoy all the conversations I had with all the staffs at Donatela. Overall I had a great stay at the resort and felt well rested. Would 10/10 recommend and come back here.
Feel that the garden could have a bit of maintenance and a bit more lights around as it gets very dark at night. I also booked one of the tour package, the tour guide they assigned the service was ok. The tour was a bit of a rush tbh.
Reviewed: 25 February 2025 · Stayed in February 2025
Verified reviewIncredible stay and very reactive service. First at the arrival at the airport, we had organized the shuttle with the hotel. They were waiting for us at the exit and handle all the luggage with a very warm welcome. Shuttle was very comfortable and it took 10 to 15 minutes. A personnel from the hotel, on top of the driver, was here to welcome us and to introduce us the duration of the trip and the surrounding while driving. He accompanied us until our rooms. Check in was done in a glance, they were obviously waiting for us and everything went absolutely smoothly. Very appreciable after a trip of more than one day! Room, garden villa, were amazing, very big rooms with a welcoming basket of fruits (excellent mango). Beds are very comfortable, two air conditioners, a private terrace. The hotel is entirely located in a very nicely maintained park. Everything around is green, you’ll see on the picture, it is simply amazing. You can look for the statues in the surrounding, they even created a grotte ! They offer outstanding activities, we tested the spa and I loved it: strong pressure, for once, exactly as I asked ! 90 min that went in a glance! Kudos to the lady as from the beginning to the end she maintained the pressure. You can also horseride or have organized private excursion days: country side or island hopping. Not talking about the food as I will do a special comment there for the hotel restaurant but it was in line with the rest for what I tested. Service was impeccable. I definitely recommend, for the excursions I asked if we could have towels and in the 10 min later, someone was bringing them to our villa. This is just an example! No direct access to the beach but very big swimming pool you can almost enjoy alone and simply amazing view from the paprika restaurant. Basket fruit is the for the first day only, water refill everyday. Night service (to shut down your room to prepare for the night) planned. Thank you for making our first stop outstanding!
Nothing really to mention!
Reviewed: 6 February 2025 · Stayed in January 2025
Verified reviewBeautifully furnished villas, filled with art adornments in a lush jungle setting. Attentive polite staff. Immaculately clean
A short tuk tuk drive to Alona Beach- this could be a good thing. Has a stoney beach area - again this is fine
Reviewed: 19 January 2025 · Stayed in January 2025
Verified reviewWe loved our stay at Donatela and had an amazing time. It was a rejuvenating and relaxing stay in the honeymoon suite, which was luxurious in a quiet and natural way. The suite was huge, comfortable, well built, and beautifully designed. We especially enjoyed the large sofa, reading chair, the super comfortable bed, big walk in closet, and the double bathroom sinks. The outdoor area was very tranquil and we spent a lot of time outside relaxing and dipping in the serene plunge pool. The staff were super helpful and assisted us with arranging travel needs. The massages were incredible and the best we've had on the trip. We absolutely enjoyed walking around the stunning grounds and snorkelling off the resort. It was surprisingly clear and full of marine life (clown fish, eels, large varieties of star fish, coral, lionfish, etc). We would love to come back again!
Reviewed: 21 December 2024 · Stayed in December 2024
Verified reviewReviewed: 19 December 2024 · Stayed in December 2024
Verified reviewReviewed: 3 December 2024 · Stayed in October 2024
Verified reviewOur favorite place on the island.
There is literally nothing wrong with this place. It’s the best experience you can have for a luxury stay.
Reviewed: 28 November 2024 · Stayed in November 2024
Verified reviewPeaceful and quiet.
Just a bit far from the main road and establishments.
Reviewed: 1 November 2024 · Stayed in October 2024
Verified reviewThe staff are friendly and helpful. The pool villa is very spacious and clean. We enjoyed the plunge pool. We also liked the free shuttle going back and forth to Alona beach.
None
Reviewed: 21 October 2024 · Stayed in October 2024
Verified reviewReviewed: 29 September 2024 · Stayed in September 2024
Verified reviewThe serenity of the hotel, the rooms were beautiful and the beds comfortable. The pool was fantastic and the sea view from the restaurant charming. The staff was very kind and available. The free shuttle to the downtown. Although there is no beach, they have a private pier with sunbeds from which you can access the shallow water. They have horses roaming around in the beautiful gardens
They should waive the pick up fee to the airport (seems a bit excessive for a 10m drive), they offered the free shuttle to downtown but it wasn't allways available as scheduled. The restaurant should improve the quality of the food and service considering the premium price payed.
Reviewed: 25 September 2024 · Stayed in September 2024
Verified reviewAmazing view of the sea, excellent breakfast at Shafran, spacious villas. Tranquillity.
Almost impossible to swim in the sea. Swimming pool is "tired". Child was bored, kinda nothing to do.
Reviewed: 17 July 2024 · Stayed in July 2024
Verified reviewReviewed: 3 July 2024 · Stayed in June 2024
Verified reviewAmbience and the overlooking view of the sea :) The place is also very peaceful so you can really have a restful day.
Too dark at night. The location is a bit far and you have to pass a rough road.
Reviewed: 19 June 2024 · Stayed in June 2024
Verified reviewThe road
Reviewed: 21 April 2024 · Stayed in April 2024
Verified reviewThe house was spacious and new with good facilities. You can feel in a jungle since the houses are very spaced - the resort was full but we barely meet anyone. Not far from the Alona beach actions and easy to explore Bohol from here.
The road to the hotel is just terrible.
Reviewed: 23 March 2024 · Stayed in March 2024
Verified reviewRestaurant was excellent location and food was and staff were great. Private tours organised through the resort were excellent.
Little things kept breaking down or not working, the shuttle, the water, the safe etc and as soon as you tell them about it they send you a message “sorry for the inconvenience “…..
Reviewed: 3 March 2024 · Stayed in February 2024
Verified reviewWe stayed in the honeymoon suite during our stay at the property and thoroughly enjoyed everything the suite had to offer. The private pool was a nice option to cool down after some sun bathing and the general look and feel of the suite was very high quality. The regular shuttles to town are handy and the staff are always on had to help when needed, they are all very attentive. All in all, a fantastic resort and wonderful place to stay in Bohol!
Reviewed: 23 February 2024 · Stayed in February 2024
Verified reviewGreat hotel
Reviewed: 16 February 2024 · Stayed in February 2024
Verified reviewIt’s exclusivity, truly a sanctuary.
Na
Reviewed: 12 February 2024 · Stayed in February 2024
Verified review